Experiential Learning for Parents

Parenting is an art as much as a science.  What nurtures creativity and responsibility in one child may breed wanton disregard in another.  What is a great instructional tool one day is seen as useless and starts an argument the next.  And while there are many helpful and well documented methodologies for parenting, the best [...]

Putting Your Money Where Your Mouth Is

People who have a passion manifest it in how they live their lives.  This manifestation often comes in the form of deeds rather than words.
 
An example is Scott Staub.  I don’t really know Scott – just sat next to him on a plane.  But we chatted during our flight and got to talking about what [...]

Part of the Whole Package

Teaching kids about money is only one element of parenting.  But it’s part of a whole package.  Everyone – including parents and including kids – is going to have strengths and weaknesses.  We all grow as individuals if we can build on our strengths and do our best to mitigate our weaknesses.  Child need parenting [...]

When to Start Allowance

Parents want to know when the right time is to pay allowance.  It’s sort of like knowing when the right time is to get married or have kids.  It depends on the family and on the individual kids. 
 
For most kids, when they are aware that things cost money, they’re ready to have some money [...]

5 Tips for Raising Money Smart Kids

Remember that experience is better than lecturing.  When your kids are ready to learn about money, start letting them make some financial decisions.  It might be as basic as choosing between an ice cream treat and a soda, but let them decide and let them know it’s about deciding what to get, not getting everything [...]

The Money Pet

We’ve all heard about a house or other project that’s a major “money pit”.  While not as widely recognized, there are also “money pets”.  If you’re a Pet Person, you’ve probably had at least one in your life.  It’s the stray that never leaves and becomes a part of the family, developing health problems that [...]

Holiday Financial Lessons for Kids

Too often the holidays are the time of year when any hope of financial discipline flies out the window.  You can change that and actually turn it into a teaching opportunity for you and your kids.  Here are a few tips.

Don’t let the kids expect to get everything they want.  Let them make a list [...]